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Midi Drum Machine

A midi drum machine refers to a specially formulated electronic apparatus which is geared to imitate the sound of drums and/or other percussion instruments. To the uninitiated, MIDI is an abbreviation for the term “Musical Instrument Digital Interface” which in itself is broadly explanatory of the functions it encompasses.

The development of the midi drum machine can be traced back to the early 1980’s. In this era, the use of electronic musical instruments was becoming increasingly popular, but the different products by different manufacturers were found to be incompatible with each other, at most times. In order to overcome this, MIDI technology was formulated, and it has indeed come a long way since its inception.

The more technically-aware, would find it of interest to note that the midi drum machine operates by dispatching event messages about pitch and intensity. To elaborate further, it sends out five event messages; namely, note off, note on, program change, bank message and all notes off. Similarly, MIDI technology sends out control signals with regard to volume and vibrato; whilst clock signals are dispatched with regard to tempo. In summation, the midi drum machine does not transmit audio signals, as is generally done with analog instruments.

In actuality, the implications of the midi drum machine goes beyond its technical scope. For instance, it has now unwittingly erased the hitherto clearly demarcated boundaries between producers and musicians. Similarly, the boundary lines which existed between instruments and studios have now also been blurred, largely due to MIDI technology.

A quick search on the internet will enable aspiring musicians to download midi drum machine software, with ease. This includes access to the midi drum sequencer, the midi drum player and the midi drum convertor, too, at most times. The midi drum machine software can generally be downloaded at a reasonable price, whilst sometimes, such software is even available free of charge. This, in turn, paves the way for prospective musicians who are faced with financial difficulties, to engage in their craft, with minimal worry; even in the absence of formal production training. The easy access to such software has led some, to glibly remark that the midi drum machine has resulted in a host of “stay-at-home producers”.

There are numerous midi drum machine patterns available, now, for the use of the aspiring musician cum producer. This can range from ballads to R&B, from the Blues to the Bossa Nova, from Disco to Pop, and from Reggae to Rock.

As can be clearly seen, the midi drum machine, from its very inception; has changed the course of music, considerably. It has also given countless, would-be-musicians, the opportunity to create their own brand of music with relative ease; and it has now become a staple of our culture and lifestyle, too.